build Archives

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Microsoft just added two more reasons to install PowerToys on your Windows PC

PowerToys has introduced new utilities to enhance user experience, including Mouse Button Lock, which allows users to hold a mouse button temporarily for tasks requiring prolonged pressure, and CursorHide, which hides the mouse pointer after inactivity. The Command Palette now features a quick-access shelf for pinned commands, and users can utilize keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation. ZoomIt has added a Snip with dictation capability, allowing audio descriptions to accompany visual snips. New command-line tools include Advanced Paste, Light Switch, and Peek, among others. The Keyboard Manager has improved with tap-alone remaps and easier editing options. Other updates include enhancements to Color Picker, Text Extractor, FancyZones, Screen Ruler, and more, as well as fixes for memory issues and improved usability across various features.

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Hades II ported to Android – fan port released based on macOS version

- Enthusiasts in the gaming community have released an unofficial Android port of Hades II based on the macOS version. - The Android port supports touch controls and external gamepads, showing decent performance even on less powerful devices. - Users have reported positive feedback on performance, with some achieving 30-50 frames per second on budget devices. - Some players have encountered issues such as black screens and control problems, but developers are actively working to address these. - The latest update, version 1.1-beta, has resolved some issues and optimized the game for a variety of hardware configurations. - Players need to have their own files from the macOS version of the game to play the Android port.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows 10 users were right: Windows 11 still can’t drag the taskbar, so Microsoft is testing a menu instead

Windows 10 allowed users to drag the taskbar to any screen edge, a feature missing in Windows 11, which initially frustrated users. Microsoft is currently testing a new right-click menu in Insider Preview Build 26340.9750 that enables users to reposition the taskbar without accessing the Settings menu. This menu includes buttons for moving the taskbar to the left, top, right, or bottom of the screen. Although the menu is available in the Experimental channel, it remains hidden from casual users and has not been officially announced. Testing confirmed that the taskbar can be moved smoothly between positions, although some minor inconsistencies with the Start menu were noted. The right-click menu concept has been in development for some time, as indicated by a previously deleted video from a Microsoft engineer. Users previously had to navigate through Settings to change the taskbar position, and while Microsoft reintroduced some movement capabilities, the process is still cumbersome. The auto-hide feature is only available when the taskbar is at the bottom, limiting customization options. Microsoft is also exploring additional features, including different taskbar positions per monitor and the potential return of drag-and-drop functionality.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows AI agent security: how isolation works

Microsoft's AI agent security is structured around three execution boundaries: local process isolation, session isolation, and cloud-based Windows 365 for Agents. The introduction of Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) on June 2, 2026, enhances local isolation through two methods: process isolation, which restricts an agent's access to specific files and networks, and session isolation, which separates an agent from the user's interactive environment. The MXC framework includes policies for filesystem access, network traffic, and user-interface controls, with an audit mode that disables sandbox security for analysis purposes. The choice between local isolation and Windows 365 for Agents depends on the agent's execution environment, with local isolation providing limited access and Windows 365 offering a completely separate cloud environment. MXC is in early preview, while Windows 365 for Agents is generally available.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows 11 Auto-Recovery: Cloud Repair Off by Default on Corporate Devices, Forcing IT Departments to Weigh the Pros and Cons

Microsoft's Quick Machine Recovery feature, integrated into Windows 11, is disabled by default for enterprise-managed devices due to a significant incident in July 2024 when a faulty security update caused many devices to be unable to boot. The feature identifies devices that fail to boot multiple times and connects to Windows Update via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to search for fixes. It is available in Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.4700) and later, with default settings varying based on device management status: disabled for Enterprise/Education editions and domain-joined Pro editions, and enabled for Home and unmanaged Pro editions. Administrators can configure options such as enabling/disabling cloud repair, automatic repair, and setting remediation check frequencies. A test mode is available for devices in the Windows Insider Program. Additionally, starting October 13, 2026, Microsoft will implement restrictions on external storage devices formatted with ReFS, which will be audited by default, with enforcement beginning in January 2027. Users will need to transition data from ReFS to supported formats by this date. A registry and Group Policy setting named "RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy" will allow customization of this restriction.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

The Googlebook work test: Can an Android laptop get the job done?

The Googlebook integrates desktop and mobile experiences, primarily influenced by its Android roots. Its functionality is centered around the Play Store, which affects the app experience based on availability and performance. Google Calendar on the Googlebook resembles its web version, but users can enhance productivity with Android app widgets. There are challenges with installing certain web applications, indicating a need for improved compatibility. The Googlebook features a fully customizable desktop with Android widgets and excels in connectivity, allowing easy access to files on an Android phone. Hardware-wise, the Lenovo Googlebook has a sleek design and premium build quality. It also supports Android app streaming, enabling remote use of many apps, which may change user engagement with applications.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft rolls out a big Windows 11 Bluetooth upgrade, and AirPods now pair up to 15 seconds faster

The October 2026 update to Windows 11 introduces a Bluetooth enhancement that reduces connection times for AirPods by up to 15 seconds. This update also aims to improve Bluetooth reliability, with features such as accurate status reporting for connected devices, volume adjustments during calls triggering the volume flyout, and resolution of a bug that kept the Bluetooth radio active when toggled off. Improved microphone compatibility and enhanced audio quality are also expected. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > About, looking for build numbers 26300.9711, 26200.9711, or 26100.9711 or higher. The rollout may take several weeks for all users.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Moonlighter studio won’t host a public playtest of its next game due to rampant AI-led cloning: ‘We know we’re not the only developers feeling this way’

Digital Sun Games has decided not to conduct a public playtest for their upcoming title, ReVamp, due to concerns about reverse-engineering and cloning of their game. This decision follows a trend of hastily produced clones appearing on platforms like Steam and Roblox, exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven tools that facilitate game replication. Other developers, such as those behind Drunken Goddess Reflux, have also canceled public demos for similar reasons. The number of demos available during the recent Steam Next Fest increased significantly, highlighting the issue of rapid cloning in the gaming industry.